The Palestinian Authority government in the West Bank voted on Thursday in favor of its $3.8 billion annual budget for 2013.The decision requires the approval of PA President Mahmoud Abbas.The government said that $1.8b. would be allocated for paying salaries to more than 150,000 public employees. Another $350 million will go to various developmental projects in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.The government said some of the money for developmental projects would be invested in areas B and C in the West Bank. Under the terms of the Oslo Accords, Area B is under the civilian control of the PA, while Area C is in the hands of Israel.The PA government said it was expecting an income of $2.5b. from taxes and customs during this year. The government is also expecting $1.4b. in international aid during the same period.Some legislators in Ramallah called on Abbas not to approve the new budget until it is brought for discussion at the Palestinian Legislative Council.
(photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)